Chandigarh, Jan. 9 -- Exports of premium basmati rice to Iran have once again come under uncertainty, affecting producers and processors in Punjab and Haryana.

The disruption follows a sharp fall in the Iranian currency after the tightening of US sanctions. With the rial touching a new low against the US dollar, the Iranian government has stopped providing subsidies on food imports, prompting Indian exporters to put shipments on hold.

As a result, consignments worth at least Rs.2,000 crore are currently stuck at international ports, awaiting clearance for shipment to Iran.

"Due to the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial against the US dollar, which has reached a record low, the Iranian government has refused to continue subsidies on...